Finding an answer to the dreaded, “I don’t know, what do you want to do?” can be difficult, especially as the options become limited as temperatures drop. Hopping in the car and heading to the beach or the park for some fun in the sun isn’t an option this time of year. That is, unless you live on the West Coast or are lucky enough to live somewhere closer to the equator than Philadelphia. Thinking of dates during the colder months can be difficult and let’s be honest, super annoying. Below are a few simple date ideas my boyfriend and I found to be a great time without breaking the bank!
1. Baking
Pinterest is loaded with sweet treats that can coordinate with whatever season it may be! Search for anything from fall holiday inspired treats to a blueberry pumpkin muffin. However, if you’re anything like my boyfriend and me, and are looking for a simpler route, a roll of Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough never fails to satisfy a sweets craving.
2. Halloween Store
With Halloween quickly approaching, so is the pressure of putting together the perfect couple costume! My boyfriend and I start thinking up possible costume ideas months before Halloween, but then tend to put off actually buying or making the costume until the week before. Going to the Halloween Store towards the beginning of October is a great way to get into the Halloween spirit and also helps spark ideas for costumes!
3. Make each other dinner!
If you and your significant other aren’t really into sweets, or are looking for something more filling, making dinner for each other is the perfect way to go. Pinterest is also filled with options that will satisfy every craving. I’ve found it easier if one person makes one meal for the both of you to share, that way you are both enjoying the same food and there isn’t that big of a mess in the kitchen to clean up afterwards. My boyfriend and I found a recipe for lemon garlic pasta on Pinterest that is super delicious and simple to make!
4. Pumpkin Carving
Have a competition to see who can carve their pumpkin the best! Although this usually just ends up with poorly carved geometric shapes that kind of looks like a face if you squint your eyes and tilt your head to the side, it’s still a ton of fun! Added bonus: roast the seeds from the insides of your pumpkins for a yummy treat later!
5. Movie Marathon
An awesome idea for any time of year because it can be any theme you want! Or, if you aren’t into themes, no theme is cool too! During this time of the year, my boyfriend and I love watching horror movies for Halloween.
6. Flea Market
Sure, not all of the items being sold are the greatest. However, there’s always a chance to find a diamond in the rough! Some vendors have really awesome stories and passions about the items they are selling. Local flea markets we have found to be pretty cool include The Golden Nugget and Rice’s Flea Market.
7. DIY Project
Hit up your local craft store or dollar store for cheap paint and materials to paint on! Last year, we bought cheap wooden shapes/letters from the craft store and spent the whole afternoon painting them to match each of our rooms.
8. Support Live Theatre—Anywhere!
Supporting the arts is always a good idea. There are so many beautiful pieces of art to see and being in a big city with a thriving art scene, it’s ridiculous to not check it out at least once! Many theatres offer student discounts or rush tickets the morning of the show for super cheap! Check out local theatres near you to confirm their ticket policies before going to see a show, unless you’re cool with paying full price, and in that case, pay on my friend. Pay on.